Rumor has it that the next major firmware update for the PlayStation 3 will be available to download on October 30th. The update is said to include a number of new features including music playlists, XMB customization and new icons to the XMB. You can find the full list of additions below.

Turn your PS3 on and off with PSP Remote play

A new PlayStation Network category

A TV Category for those who install PlayTV into their HDD (SCEE only).

Playlist for Music & Photo

Content group for Video & Game

XMB customization (Custom theme & background color setting)

Information Board

Trend Micro Web Security for PS3 Internet Browser

Please note that this article is currently a rumor. The next firmware update is said to be Firmware 1.94, which will add DualShock 3 compatibility to the PlayStation 3.

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Sony is slowly getting the PlayStation 3 ready for the new DualShock 3 controller. The controller isn’t out in Europe or the US until Spring 2008, but Sony will be adding support for the new controller in the next firmware update. Firmware 1.94 isn’t available to download yet, but Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction will include the firmware update, making it the first game to support DualShock 3.

Japan will be getting the new controller early, so those of you who can’t wait can import the controller. The release date for Firmware 1.94 has not been revealed yet, but look out for more details.

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Details of the second patch to Warhawk have been revealed by Dylan Jobe, via the PlayStation.Blog. According to Jobe, the second patch is currently in the testing process and should be available to download soon. The main purpose of the patch is to address other bugs found by players, but to also add additional features recommended by the community.

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The developers of Warhawk, Incognito, have been working hard to resolve several issues in the game. Gameplay Statistics was causing the most problems for players with delays in updates. Now, Incognito are ready to release an update that will solve many problems in the game, while improving other aspects. The update was announced via the PlayStation.Blog with a post from Dylan Jobe.

The patch in currently undergoing final testing and should be available to download near the end of October. In addition, a second patch is also in the works, however, details have not been mentioned.

Server-side updates

Stat database stability improvements

Improved server stability

Max Clan limit changed from 32 to 64

Viral Rank-up bug fixed and correct for players that were accidentally ranked up.

“Time-in-Vehicle” Stats fixed so certain awards can now be granted properly.

Client-side updates for Patch v1.1

Stat connection, fetch/post fixes

Significantly improved client connection stability

Quad “????” Ping display bug fixed.

Added support for Player-Ranked Servers.

Game synchronization fixes due to fluctuating network conditions (packet-drop).

Crash fixes for end of game and split screen.

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Looking forward to see what’s new on the PlayStation Store this week? Well, here is your weekly update. For the US, there are two new demos available and a number of new videos and wallpaper. The demo of Juiced 2 and Folklore is now available to download. As for Europe, several new PSOne titles have been added and a new demon.

Europe Update List:

Playable Demo

Dynasty Warriors: Gundam

PSOne Titles

Crash Team Racing

Everybody’s Golf 2

Syphon Filter 3

US Update List:

Playable Demos

Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights

Folklore

Videos

Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune Tech Dive Video

Burnout Paradise Steel Wheels Trailer

Turok Dino Luring Trailer

Devil May Cry 4 TGS Short Trailer

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Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced that it will be dropping the price of the 80GB PlayStation 3 by $100. This announcement comes shortly after SCEA officially announced the November 2nd launch date for the 40GB PS3 Model, which will not feature backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 games. The 80GB model will, however, retains BC via software software support.

Jack Tretton, SCEA CEO, stated:

“We’re pleased to offer the consumer a lower price point without sacrificing the core technology components that make PS3 the most advanced high-definition entertainment system available. Every PS3 comes with a Blu-ray drive, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, Cell Broadband Engine and a built-in hard-drive.”

Sony is planning a new firmware update for the PlayStation 3 that will increase Blu-Ray interactivity. The revelation came about from Don Eklund, Sony VP of advanced technologies, at the HDTV DisplaySearch conference in Universal City, California during a panel discussion about next-gen interactivity. The firmware is expected “soon”, but no exact date has been revealed.

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The PlayStation Network store has been updated once again. For Europe, a lot of new content has been added including three new demos, the Speed Master add-on for Ninja Gaiden Sigma, and several videos and trailers. As for the US, they also received three new demos, a new downloadable game an lots of new videos and trailers.

Europe Update List

Playable Demos

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08

FIFA 2008

The Simpsons

Game Add-ons

Ninja Gaiden Sigma Speed Master (GBP 2.99)

US Update List

Playable Demos

Ratchet and Clank Future

NHL 2K8

Conan

Full Games

Everyday Shooter (USD 9.99)

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With the release of the new 40GB PlayStation 3 model, SCEE has confirmed that the price cut on the 60GB model is to help phase out the model. As a result, once stocks on the 60GB model are depleted, only the 40GB model will remain. SCEE has stated that stocks for the 60GB model should be available until Christmas, but that depends on how quickly the model sells.

“We announced our reduced offering on the 60GB model last week. We re looking to sell our remaining 60GB stock, after which the 40GB model will be the only SKU available in Europe.

We anticipate that the 60GB stock should be available until Christmas, but of course it depends on how quickly it sells.”

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Sony has officially announced the release of the 40GB PlayStation 3 model. The new model will be available from October 10th and will retail for GBP 299. In addition, the current 60GB Starter Pack will be reduced to GBP 349. Apart from the smaller hard drive, the 40GB PS3 model will have a number of other modifications.

The 40GB model will come with only two USB ports and will not come with Memory Card slots. Also, the new model will not be backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 titles. The 60GB Starter Pack will continue to have backwards compatibility and will come a SIXAXIS controller and two PS3 titles.

UPDATE:

Following the announcement of the 40GB PS3 model, SCE Australia has stated that the 40GB model will be available in Australia from October 11th, retailing for AUS 699. The specifications for the 40GB model are same as above.